Anambra: Bodies of two kidnapped Cameroonian women found in Omambala River

By Ayox Ojo

Remains of two Cameroonian women identified as Mrs. Bognou Alice and her niece, Miss Sandra.who were allegedly kidnapped in Anambra have been recovered in the Omambala River, Anambra West Local Government Area of the state.

The bodies of the women was discovered by operatives from Anambra Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with professional divers and local volunteers after intensive search on Saturday, the spokesperson for Anambra Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, stated in a statement on Saturday.

Ikenga added that the family of the deceased have identified both bodies.

He also recalled the two suspects identified as Nonso Augustine Akpeh and Kingsley Akpeh have been arrested over the kidnapping of the women and are assisting operatives with vital information in the investigation.

He noted that three kidnapped Cameroonian women were reported kidnapped in the state to the police.

Ikenga, in the statement said, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to update the public on the ongoing investigation into the alleged kidnapping of three Cameroonian women in the state.

“Recall that police investigators had earlier arrested two suspects: Nonso Augustine Akpeh ‘M’, 37 years old, and Kingsley Akpeh ‘M’, 44 years old, who are currently assisting operatives with vital information.

“In continuation of these efforts, on the evening of 28th November 2025, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, working in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers, conducted an intensive search along the Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area.

“During the operation, the team recovered two (2) female decomposed bodies believed to be victims of the kidnapping incident. The operatives immediately contacted the family of the kidnapped victims, who positively identified the recovered bodies as his wife, Mrs. Bognou Alice and his niece Miss Sandra.

“Both bodies have been deposited in a mortuary for further examination and necessary investigative procedures.”

Ikeng added that Anambra Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends.

He added that Orutugu has also directed intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim.

“The CP has also directed all units involved to strengthen operational activities aimed at apprehending the third suspect, Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu, who is currently on the run, to ensure he faces the full weight of the law.

“The Commissioner further reassures the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, maintaining security, and delivering justice,” the statement concluded.

Anambra is one of the states in the eastern part of Nigeria noted for kidnapping incidents usually attributed by the police to the outlawed terrorist group IPOB and its militant arm, ESN.

However, IPOB usually rejected the claim.